Upgraded circuit board V 3.0 are all assembled! If you still want kit for some reason, leave me a message.Current PCB version: V 3.3 Current firmware version: V 3.0.0

The original style push buttons with black plungers are back by popular demand!

The phi-panel is a revolutionary LCD keypad user interface for your arduino projects. The panel connects to arduino or any serial device (PIC, BASIC stamp or PC) with TTL signal (AKA "serial port" on arduino. It has an on-board micro-controller that will take care of all your interactive user interface needs, including controlling the LCD for displaying menus, lists, input numbers, texts, sensing key presses, returning user choices, and a lot more.

You can integrate it in your existing project in less than one minute. The following code will create an interactive menu on the phi-panel, connected directly to arduino’s hardware serial (you can use software serial as well). Making changes to the code is so easy because everything is in human-readable strings!

if (Serial.available()) { // Make sure there is a key press char response=Serial.read(); // Read key press from phi-panel if (response==’1′) display_GPS(); // Display GPS info on LCD if (response==’2′) record_GPS(); // Record GPS info on SD card or EEPROM break; // Breaks out of the while (1) loop. } }

No need to create elaborate codes to do objects, generate menus, sense buttons with debouncing or wasting dozen of arduino pins on LCD and keypad. All you need to get started is Serial.print() you learned from Arduino-> Examples-> communication. But wait, experienced programmers / software developers, easy_to_start!=dumbed_down. I have a 30-page long detailed manual with a dozen examples for you to go so much beyond basic use on this panel that your limit is your own imagination.

This is the on board menu for parameter adjustment: baud rate, startup beep, back light, and key repeat speed.

Multi-tap is integrated in phi-panel:

Quick look at the phi-panels. This full-size unit has on-board power regulator, which is not necessary if you power it via an arduino with 5V.

This is the compact size panel quick look around:

Hardware:

*ATMEGA328 microcontroller manages all hardware *TTL-Serial (0-5V) interface, compatible with all Arduino variants and most other microcontrollers *20X4 character display or 16X2 character display (coming soon) *Keypad has 0-9, four directional keys, enter, and escape *4 LEDs *Buzzer for simple buzz or any tone *Software adjustable LCD back light intensity *Reset key behind the panel so you can decide whether the user can reset the panel *Optional power supply from wall adapter or battery (20X4 only) *Firmware can be upgraded for more functions. Please use the firmware for V 2.0 circuit board.

Software (display):

*Wraps messages automatically at the end of a line. *Automatic scrolls lines up with new messages. *Supports control characters: newline (‘\n’), return (‘\r’), backspace (‘\b’), tab (‘\t’). *Supports most ANSI escape sequences: cursor position, blinking/underline cursor. *Supports local echo of key presses for regular inputs or no local echo of key presses to conceal inputs for password fields. *Supports LCD back light brightness control 0-255.

Software (keypad):

*Relays key presses via serial port such as ’0′ to ’9′ on the number pad and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the arrow pad and enter and escape. *Getting user input with multi-tap (like on cell phone number pad) for alphanumerical and symbol inputs *Getting numbers and passwords is as easy as 1-2-3 with few lines of code.

Software (interactive features):

*Supports phi_prompt user interface library such as long text areas, interactive lists or menus, YES/NO or OK dialogs and various number and text inputs. *Supports on-the-fly baud rate change.

Software (peripheral):

*Can control 4 LEDs for status indication *Can output any tone on the buzzer

Plugged in the 20x4 phi panel into our arduinomega 2560 just as the documentation instructed. The screen is being powered but nothing will appear. I tried several commands, but nothing seems to be writing to the screen. Could brightness have something to do with this issue that I cannot see what is being written?

I purchased the Serial 20X4 LCD keypad panel - Phi-panel. EVERY PHOTO on the web site shows tactile switches with plastic buttons. The unit received has SMD tactile switches which are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to use. The plastic button have protruding shafts that you can slip a larger button cap on to make them MUCH easier to operate. This would otherwise be a Five Star product. I would not recommend this product for any serious project.

Just joined this site, I am very interested in the kit for this product therefor I requested one. I was curious to know how it works from there, are requests always accommodated? If so how long can I expect to wait? This would be perfect for the project I am working on.

Dear Dr. Liu: Great job with the Phi "terminal." I wish I had known about your Phi panel before I started flowcharting my code. But no harm done.... my time saved coding (and debouncing.... and no ISR needed) is priceless. Your ANSI terminal sequences will greatly simplify. Does firmware 3.0.0 eliminate the "Escape button dilemma"? I would like to let the user ESC sections of my sketch without going into the Phi setup. Thanks, Bob Katz.

$43.95

Assembled (only 4 left!)

- Ships in 3 -

Comes completely assembled by Liudr the designer, and ready to use

$35.95

Kit (only 4 left!)

- Ships in 3 -

Comes with LCD and all parts ready for assembly. Manual details all steps to assemble the kit.

$21.95

Kit without LCD (only 4 left!)

- Ships in 3 -

Includes all parts, except for LCD. This is way better than any serial LCD back pack. You get keypad, buzzer and all features of phi-panel.

Note: If shipping internationally, special local taxes (VAT) and customs may apply and are not included in prices or invoices unless otherwise noted. All prices are in USD.